Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
MAC416Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Sociology of Mass Communication

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between mass media and society. It delves into sociological perspectives, cultural influences, and the impact of media ownership and control. Students will examine media's role as a social agent, its influence on political subjects, and its portrayal of social inequalities. The course also covers the impact of new technologies and globalization on mass communication, equipping students with critical analytical skills.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
SociologyMass CommunicationMedia InfluenceSocial StructureCultural Imperialism

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Sociology of Mass Communication

2

Media and Society

3

Theories of the Press

4

Media Ownership and Control

5

Cultural Imperialism

6

Media Ethics

7

Media and Social Inequality

8

New Media Technologies

9

Globalization and Media

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Media Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Communications Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Media Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Media and EntertainmentAdvertising and MarketingPublic RelationsGovernment and PoliticsEducation and Research

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: An Overview on Sociology and Mass Communication

3h

Unit 1: Meaning of Sociology

3 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to Sociology.
  • •Understand the different definitions of Sociology.
  • •Explain the nature of Sociology.
  • •Discuss the scope of Sociology.
Week
2

Module 1: An Overview on Sociology and Mass Communication

3h

Unit 2: Sociological Perspectives

3 study hours
  • •Define Sociological Perspectives.
  • •Highlight the various Sociological Perspectives.
  • •Explain the various perspectives.
  • •Analyse the differences between these perspectives.
Week
3

Module 1: An Overview on Sociology and Mass Communication

3h

Unit 3: Concept of Sociology and Culture

3 study hours
  • •Define society and culture.
  • •State the features of a society.
  • •Analyse the relationships that exist between society and mass media.
  • •Describe the content of culture.
  • •Explain the role of culture in media practice.
Week
4

Module 1: An Overview on Sociology and Mass Communication

3h

Unit 4: Socialisation and the Family

3 study hours
  • •Define the concept of socialisation and family.
  • •State the importance of socialisation.
  • •Explain the various agents of socialisation.
Week
5

Module 1: An Overview on Sociology and Mass Communication

3h

Unit 5: Sociology and Mass Communication

3 study hours
  • •Define Mass Communication.
  • •State the role of mass communication in the society.
  • •Discuss its relationship with the society.
Week
6

Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society

3h

Unit 1: The Mass Media

3 study hours
  • •Define mass media.
  • •Mention those media classified as mass media.
  • •State the role of the mass media.
Week
7

Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society

3h

Unit 2: Relationship between the Media and the Society

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the duties of the media to the society.
  • •Highlight the duties of the society to the media.
  • •Mention those duties expected of the media to the rural communities.
Week
8

Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society

3h

Unit 3: Theories of the Press

3 study hours
  • •Mention the theories that we have in the media.
  • •Explain the concern of each of the theories.
  • •Describe the activities of the media under each theory.
Week
9

Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society

3h

Unit 4: Functions of the Mass Media

3 study hours
  • •Identify the various functions of the press.
  • •List these functions.
  • •Explain how the press carryout these functions.
Week
10

Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society

3h

Unit 5: Media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm

3 study hours
  • •Explain the role of the press as the fourth estate of the realm.
  • •Describe how this role is achieved.
  • •Explain how this role of the fourth estate is hampered.
Week
11

Module 3: Media Industry and Social Structures – Ownership and Control

6h

Unit 1: Political Economy of Media Ownership

3 study hours
  • •Define ownership.
  • •List the various types of ownership.
  • •Describe how ownership influences the operation as well as content of media productions.

Unit 2: Media and the State – Control of the Media

3 study hours
  • •Define media control.
  • •Mention the types of control that exist.
  • •Explain the various forms of control.
Week
12

Module 3: Media Industry and Social Structures – Ownership and Control

6h

Unit 3: Concept of Press Freedom

3 study hours
  • •Define press freedom.
  • •Identify the criteria for a press freedom.
  • •Determine if you have a freedom of the press in your society.

Unit 4: Press Censorship

3 study hours
  • •Define press censorship.
  • •Discuss the topic appreciably.
  • •Mention the different types of censorship.
Week
13

Module 3: Media Industry and Social Structures – Ownership and Control

3h

Unit 5: Cultural Imperialism and Media Independence

3 study hours
  • •Define cultural imperialism and media independent.
  • •Explain the meaning of cultural hegemony.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review definitions of key sociological concepts (socialization, culture, social structure) from Units 1-3.

2

Create a comparative chart outlining the Authoritarian, Libertarian, and Social Responsibility theories of the press (Unit 3).

3

Focus on understanding the different types of media ownership and control discussed in Module 3.

4

Analyze recent news articles and identify examples of media bias, framing, or agenda-setting.

5

Practice applying sociological perspectives (functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism) to analyze media content.

6

Prepare examples of how new technologies (social media, streaming services) are impacting traditional media industries.

7

Outline the key arguments for and against cultural imperialism and media independence (Unit 5, Module 3).

Related Courses

Other courses in Social Sciences that complement your learning

CSS455

Forensic Science

3 Units
HCM434

Lodging Facilities Management

2 Units
MAC423

Book Publishing and the Law

3 Units
View All Social Sciences Courses